Boks turn tide in second half
The Springboks overturned a 17-12 deficit to claim a decisive 29-24 victory over the All Blacks in the third Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry at FNB Stadium on Saturday, securing the series with one match remaining. A crowd of 85,500 witnessed South Africa's dominance in the final half-hour, a period in which the hosts scored two tries and controlled both set-piece and defensive intensity to extinguish New Zealand's challenge.
The All Blacks had led 7-0 and 12-5 in the first half, with captain Ardie Savea scoring twice before departing injured in the 32nd minute. His absence coincided with a momentum shift, and though New Zealand extended their advantage to 17-12 early in the second period, the Springboks responded emphatically. Between the 50th and 78th minutes, South Africa were unanswered, scoring a penalty try from a scrum and a maul try that saw Malcolm Marx driven over after the pack marched the visitors back 30 metres. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu added the conversion and a long-range penalty to seal the result.
The victory marked a significant reversal of fortune for the Springboks, who had been outscored 33-3 in the final 30 minutes across the opening two Tests. On Saturday, they led 29-17 entering the final 10 minutes, with their substitutes proving decisive in the closing stages. Ethan Hooker was named Player of the Match for his contributions on both sides of the ball, whilst Jasper Wiese's linebreak and a surging run from replacement Manie Libbok set the platform for South Africa's late surge.
Historical significance
The result ensures that Sean Fitzpatrick's 1996 All Blacks remain the only New Zealand side to win a series in South Africa, a statistic that underscores the rarity of such achievements on Springbok soil. Both sides scored four tries, though New Zealand's fourth came after the final hooter, and the teams were locked at 12-12 at half-time. The All Blacks' defensive lapses proved costly, with wing Leroy Carter culpable for two South African tries, including a weak attempt on Damian de Allende and a poor effort on Jesse Kriel's score.
South Africa's set-piece dominance in the final quarter was the foundation for their victory, with the scrum penalty try and Marx's maul effort highlighting the Springboks' physical superiority when the contest entered its decisive phase. The hosts had struggled to score in the final quarter of the previous two Tests, but when it mattered most, they delivered a performance that reflected both resilience and tactical discipline.
What it means
With the series secured at 2-1, the Springboks will approach the fourth Test with the pressure lifted, whilst New Zealand face questions over their ability to close out tight contests on the road. Savea's injury adds a further complication for the All Blacks, who must now regroup ahead of the final encounter. For South Africa, the victory validates their strategy of using squad depth and set-piece power to grind down opponents in the closing stages, a blueprint that has once again proved effective against the fiercest of rivals.